Guest Comment

Education is the bedrock of a functioning democracy and a civil society, and provides the engine of economic growth in a modern economy. For generations, the U.S. public education system has driven our nation’s leadership in the world, and will remain the foundation of our leadership and success in the future.

“An enlightened citizenry is indispensable for the proper functioning of a republic. Self-government is not possible unless the citizens are educated sufficiently to enable them to exercise oversight. It is therefore imperative that the nation see to it that a suitable education be provided for all its citizens.” — Thomas Jefferson

Before the Supreme Court hears oral arguments based on two lawsuits challenging the Affordable Care Act provision requiring employers to provide contraceptive coverage as part of their health-care plans, it might be worthwhile to take a look back before moving forward.

Why do I tie statehood and education funding together? Because Arizona used to have plenty of money for education, but the federal government overreach has led to a decline in tax proceeds for education funding. By acquiring the public lands that were supposed to be transferred to us in 1912 at statehood, Arizona would have a lot more land under production. Taxes could fund our schools.

Glaring headlines about Arizona’s public worker retirement system suggest that your typical retired teacher, firefighter or police officer is sipping margaritas on a beach somewhere enjoying a six-figure pension. Meanwhile the state’s pension funds are running out of money, leaving you, the taxpayer, stuck with the bill.

My college roommate and I dreaded Feb. 14. Only “cool girls” were called to the lobby for beautiful bouquets of Valentine’s flowers and brightly colored boxes of rich chocolates. Susie and I hated that day.

On Tuesday morning the entire Payson High School/Rim Country Middle School complex, including Payson Center for Success, transportation, maintenance, the warehouse and IT, locked down due to a potential threat. Thankfully, the incident ended with no harm done and none intended.